The Buggbuddys guide to non-sand based playgrounds in Perth! The ultimate guide to the best playgrounds and parks with no sand in Perth! Kids love burning off energy at parks and playgrounds, and Perth’s got some of the best in the world. Best of all, playgrounds are FREE!
What is great about non-sand playgrounds?
Not all kids love sand, just as not all parents and carers may not love it either. Sometimes it’s a sensory preference. Sometimes it’s that you don’t want your toddler constantly trying to eat the sand. And sometimes it’s just that you don’t want to feel like you’re cleaning half a sandpit out of your car or your kids shoes. 😛
In addition, we’ve added details of where playgrounds are close to local coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. Therefore you can grab a bite to eat before or after your play, or grab a takeaway coffee on the way. Don’t forget your reusable coffee mug! 😉
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Greenhouse Park is a unique space located in Mandurah Mandurah Junction is a newly developing 15-hectare site located next to Mandurah train station which will offer high-quality residential development, a vibrant community with a distinctive laid-back Mandurah vibe. The development will be pedestrian and bicycle-friendly and retain significant public open space featuring creative public art. This 4.4 hectare Public Open Space is also known as Greenhouse Park. It features walking and bicycle paths, art pieces, boardwalks, barbecue areas, children’s playgrounds, a ‘kick-about’ area and facilities for a future community garden. There are heaps of benches & a gorgeous built-in table Read more…
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Claughton Reserve in Bayswater is a gorgeous riverside park tucked away at the bottom of Katanning Street, right on the banks of the Swan River. This reserve combines a fun nature play space, a whimsical fairy trail and wide open green spaces, making it a lovely destination for families with kids of all ages. The Playground at Claughton Reserve has been designed to feel adventurous while still being accessible for younger children. Built largely from logs and ropes with a woodchip base, it offers plenty of climbing, balancing and imaginative play without the worry of sand-filled shoes on the way Read more…
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Curtis Park in Girrawheen is a lovely, naturally shaded neighbourhood park tucked between Curtis Way and Hatfield Way, just off Marangaroo Drive. With its mix of play equipment, climbing challenges, scooter-friendly paths and unique, life-sized maths board games, it’s a great spot for kids to burn off energy and sneak in some learning at the same time. The main Playground is bright and inviting, with three different slides to suit a range of ages and confidence levels – a straight slide, a curved slide and a fun corkscrew slide. The structure is spread over several levels and linked by ladders Read more…
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Len Packham Park in Coolbellup is home to a fantastic nature adventure Playground, set amongst towering mature trees that provide welcome shade for much of the day. Tucked in behind Coolbellup Public Library and right alongside the Coolbellup Skate Park, it’s an easy spot to make a full morning or afternoon of play, especially for families with mixed ages and interests. The hero of the Playground is the impressive timber treehouse structure. Kids can climb a rope ladder up to a mid-level platform, then scramble through a rope tunnel to reach the top “house” before zooming back down via a Read more…
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Banks Reserve in Mount Lawley is a beautiful riverside park on Joel Terrace, right on the banks of the Swan River. The large, leafy reserve is built around magnificent mature trees, which provide plenty of natural shade and give the area a relaxed, bushy feel. It’s a popular spot for families looking for a Playground, open space and access to the river, all just minutes from the city. The standout feature of the Playground is the impressive treehouse. Built around one of the huge existing trees, it offers loads of climbing opportunities and a sense of adventure for confident kids. Read more…
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Tucked within the leafy Byford on the Scarp estate, Ridge Park Byford stretches over 1.7 hectares and feels wonderfully “bushy” despite being in the suburbs. Mature trees, big open lawns and two separate Playground areas make this a great destination for families with kids of different ages, especially if you’ve got both little toddlers and more adventurous big kids to keep happy. The lower Playground, accessed from Military Pass, is ideal for younger children. The centrepiece is an adorable train-themed play structure made up of several “carriages”, each with its own style of imaginative play. Toddlers can “drive” the train Read more…
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If you’re looking for a Playground that combines open space, beautiful river views, adventure, movement, imaginative play and plenty of room for kids to explore, Mardalup Park in East Perth is well worth a visit. Located alongside the Swan River, close to Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge, this recently upgraded Playground offers a fantastic setting for a family outing. The park is surrounded by scenic views, walking paths and wide-open grassed areas, making it a great spot for kids to run around and burn off some energy. The upgraded play space has a lovely nature-inspired design, with timber-look structures, soft Read more…
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If you’ve ducked into Woolies at the Banksia Grove Shopping Centre recently, you’ll have probably noticed a new play area near the entrance. The bright and colourful play space has something to amuse most kids. The first thing we noticed was the slide. The ladder for this is built inside what looks like colourful metal crates. There is a rope net in the bottom and mid-level to climb over to get to the ladder. Littler children may need some assistance to climb up, as we found Miss 3.5 did. Our friend’s 12 year old daughter helped her and made sure Read more…
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Birdwood Square in the City of Vincent has had a major upgrade, transforming it into an inner-city gem for families. The new playground, nestled beside the parkour area, offers an exciting mix of activities for kids of all ages. The play space boasts swings (including a basket swing), slides, climbing nets, a flying fox, a rock wall, and a timber-and-rope bridge. Other fun features include a fire pole, monkey bars, steppers, and talk tubes to keep little adventurers engaged for hours. The shade sails provide excellent cover, making it a go-to spot even on sunny days. Parents will love the Read more…
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Noah’s Playground in South Guildford is a standout neighbourhood park set within the leafy Rosehill Waters estate, just a few minutes from historic Guildford and the Swan Valley. Inspired by the story of Noah’s Ark, it blends imaginative animal-themed details with big, adventurous structures, making it especially appealing for school-aged kids while still offering plenty for confident toddlers and preschoolers. Planes regularly flying overhead add an extra bit of excitement for little plane spotters, and the estate’s peaceful, green setting gives the whole visit a relaxed, “weekend away” feel even though you’re only about 15 minutes from the CBD. The Read more…
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Mariala Vista Park is located in Jindowie, Yanchep. So many of the new parks that have been built recently have a problem with serious lack of shade, where the developer has planted trees but they won’t provide any shade until they mature in years to come. Mariala Vista Park is distinctly different. The park has been developed in an area packed full of mature beautiful tall trees that provide a large amount of shade over the whole play area. Mariala Vista Park caters for both older and younger children. There is a large enclosed twisting slide that looks like great Read more…
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Fee fi fo fum… a giant-themed adventure awaits families at Giant Park in Bushmead. Tucked away in the leafy foothills just minutes from Midland and Kalamunda, this neighbourhood Playground packs in loads of imaginative play, climbing challenges and open space for kids to burn off energy. The first thing little ones will notice is the playful giant theme woven through the park. Kids can go on a “giant hunt”, spotting oversized footprints, noses, eyes, toes and other body parts cleverly hidden around the space. It’s a fun prompt for imaginative games and storytelling, and makes the park feel a bit Read more…
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Located within the Beachside precinct of Capricorn Yanchep, Campground Adventure Park is a hillside Playground with a real “holiday park” feel. Set on the former Club Capricorn Resort camping ground, it makes the most of the natural slope and mature trees, and has been cleverly designed with nostalgic touches that parents will appreciate as much as the kids. The first thing you’ll notice is the retro caravan theme. A large picnic shelter shaped like an old-school caravan sits near the main play area, giving the park a fun, quirky character. In the toddler zone, a smaller open caravan structure continues Read more…
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Sometimes small parks deliver a big play and this is the case at Copley Reserve Belmont. We recently stumbled across this small park which is located near the shops on Kooyong Rd Belmont. Copley Reserve Belmont is very much part of the community as the park has a small community garden at the edge and the pathways lead through housing to further grassed areas and benches. The park features a nature playground that has been set up using a lovely fig tree as natural shade. Most of the playground is woodchip style base except for the sand area with two Read more…
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Tucked between the CBD and Northbridge, right opposite WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Perth Cultural Centre Playspace is a compact, quirky Playground that’s perfect for breaking up a day in the city. Set within the wider Perth Cultural Centre precinct – home to the Museum, Art Gallery, State Library and more – it’s an easy stop for families travelling by train or exploring on foot from Perth Station or the surrounding streets. The space has a strong sensory and nature play focus, making it a great option for kids who love to touch, balance, spin and explore. The playspace is Read more…
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JH Abrahams Reserve in Crawley is a beautiful, riverside Playground and picnic spot that’s ideal for families looking to spend a few relaxed hours outdoors. Overlooking the Swan River and close to Matilda Bay, it combines a shaded play area, big grassy spaces and great facilities, making it an easy option for a play, ride and picnic. Shaded with sail shades and tall mature trees, this playground is on a woodchip play area. Children of all ages can enjoy climbing on the main wooden climbing structure. With different climbing elements on it, even the little ones can find it easy Read more…
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At the new Clementine Estate, in Upper Swan, there’s a new playground to explore. It’s worth a little look, if you happen to be near the northern end of the Swan Valley. Found on Citrus Road, the small but mighty playground is decked out in vibrant citrus colours. There’s a huge lush lawn too, to run about, kick a ball and even take a roll down the hilly embankment. The wood chipped based play area has a distinct nature play feel, with the majority of the equipment being climbing orientated. There’s stepping logs, colourful climbing walls, as well as giant Read more…
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Tucked within the Piara Waters development, Explorer Park is a bright, compact and very active little Playground that’s ideal for families who love to be outdoors and on the move. Located at the opposite end of the reserve from the popular Madox Playground and Pump Track, this park works perfectly as part of a longer play outing, or as a handy local spot to burn off energy after school. The Playground itself may be small, but it’s cleverly designed and packed with things to climb, jump and bounce on. One of the standout features is the wavy climbing wall, which Read more…
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Located in the growing coastal suburb of Yanchep, around 47 minutes north of Perth, Viridis Park is a small, rope-focused playground that’s best suited for older kids who love to climb, swing, and test their balance. It’s not a main attraction on its own, but it makes a fun stop during a day out in Yanchep, especially for families doing a bike loop or casual drive through the area. Set right against a quiet residential street, the park is still road-adjacent, so keep an eye on younger children. The good news is, it has its own small designated parking area, Read more…
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Tucked between Mulberry Way and Viridian Boulevard in Eglinton, about 38 minutes north of Perth, Viridian Park is a vibrant, family-friendly space that’s worth discovering. While the park is officially signed as Viridian Park, it shows up on maps as Mulberry Park — so keep that in mind when navigating there. This elevated park offers partial ocean views and a glimpse of the iconic lighthouse from the nearby Amberton Beach Lighthouse Park. It’s an ideal spot for relaxed weekends, casual meet-ups, or energetic family catch-ups. The playground is compact yet engaging. It features a rope climbing structure that leads up Read more…
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Tucked behind the Victoria Park Library, John MacMillan Park is a brilliant little green hub that combines nature play, community events and plenty of open space. The park offers a welcoming mix of shady trees, clever play zones and amenities that make it easy for families to linger. The nature Playground blends beautifully with the mature trees, using mostly wooden structures with both natural shade and shade sails overhead. The play areas are broken up into smaller “pockets” linked by pathways, so kids can wander from one activity to the next while adults keep an eye on them from nearby Read more…
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The Esplanade Playground in Fremantle is a much-loved family stop, perfectly positioned on Marine Terrace opposite the Esplanade Hotel and only a short stroll from Fishing Boat Harbour and the Cappuccino Strip. Set within Esplanade Park’s sweeping lawns and towering Norfolk Island pines, it’s an easy place to base yourself for a few hours in Freo – kids can burn off energy while parents relax in the shade or grab a takeaway coffee nearby. The Playground sits in the middle of Esplanade Park, a large public reserve that’s also home to the Esplanade Youth Plaza skate park and the Fremantle Read more…
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Found besides the waters of Lake Claremont is a small, but lovely nature playground. The play area has been designed for primary school aged kids, though little ones will love the sand play! The main fort structure is suitable for older kids, as it is made up of wooden steps and rope to climb up to the top. Once you’re at the top, the “floor” is also made out of rope, so there’s no solid surface to stand and play on. There’s a large concrete sand-play table, with a tyre to scoop up the course red sand, attached to a Read more…
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Maniana Park is a huge destination Playground in Queens Park, perfect for hours of family fun. You’ll find it on the corner of Whitlock and Gibbs Streets, tucked behind the Sam Kerr Soccer Stadium. Playground highlights A large main play structure with three slides, varied climbing challenges, multi-level platforms, and a bridge connecting zones. Underneath, kids will love the cute role-play café. A great mix of nature play, water play, swings, monkey bars and climbing equipment—something for all ages. A dedicated toddler zone with a small slide and crawl tunnel. Nature play elements including a teepee, balancing and climbing rocks, Read more…
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Lincoln Road Reserve in Forrestfield is a great little neighbourhood park that’s well set up for active kids. The reserve combines traditional play equipment with nature play, a ninja-style obstacle course and a double flying fox, all beside a large open grassed area that’s perfect for running and ball games. The double flying fox is a big highlight for many families. One of the lines has a supportive seat with a harness, which is ideal for younger children or those who need a bit of extra security, while the other has a disc-style seat for more confident riders. The cable Read more…
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Enchantment Park in Indi Yanchep promises a truly enchanting experience for adventurous families. From the moment you arrive at the main arched entrance, it feels like stepping into a storybook world. Scan the first QR code, and you’re immediately transported into the Enchantment Park universe, complete with an interactive park book – perfect for families who love reading as much as exploring. The park is cleverly divided into themed zones, each offering unique experiences. In the Magic Meadow, little ones can run, jump, and play alongside Goran the gentle dragon. Fairy Cove is perfect for mini detectives, with hidden Read more…
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On the hunt for a post-breakfast play spot in Wanneroo, I found myself spoilt for choice. Preferring to steer away from much-loved Rotary Park after a recent school holidays visit to Café Elixir, my toddler and I ended up at nearby Nyunda Park on Nannatee Way. The playground’s softfall was replaced in late 2022 and the play equipment is all relatively new. It’s well suited to younger children, with easy access on to the main play structure, which comprises several platforms, a wooden bridge, colourful noughts and crosses, and small slide. The firemen’s pole and climbing frame requires more experience Read more…
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Cracknell Park in Rivervale is a compact neighbourhood park that makes the most of its beautiful riverside setting. Tucked along Riversdale Road, it combines upgraded play equipment with brilliant Swan River views, making it a lovely spot for families to stop, play and unwind. The main Playground area features a modern play structure with plenty to keep kids of different ages busy. There are monkey bars for little monkeys to test their strength, two slides including a smaller slide that’s great for younger children, and a tunnel slide that proves especially popular with older kids. A flying fox adds a Read more…
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Need to do groceries? Kids need a play? Combine them both at Forrestfield Forum. The Junction is the new community space at Forrestfield Forum and includes a nature playground and alfresco area. The play area is under shade sale and partly fenced along the side that is close to the car park. The whole area is on soft fall rubber. There are benches around the area. There are a number of play areas including balancing logs, climbing frame and a fort with fireman’s pole and slide. There is also a bouncy rabbit and a spinning top. You could grab a Read more…
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Calista Bike Skills Track Playground is a brilliant spot for scooter and bike-mad kids, purpose-built to help little riders learn road rules in a fun, low-stress way. Opened in 2023 and set amongst shady trees at Calista Oval, the track sits right next to Kwinana Adventure Playground and The Edge Skate Park, making this area a fantastic all-day destination for families. The bike skills track is laid out like a mini road network with smooth flat paths. Kids can follow roundabouts, negotiate speed bumps, stop at traffic lights and stop signs, and practise giving way at pedestrian crossings. There are Read more…
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Stretton Way Reserve, situated behind Kenwick Village and is one of the shadiest parks I have seen. Shade sails cover the climbing equipment as well as the BBQ area making it good for summer outings. The play equipment has an excellent variety of play equipment including three slides, monkey bars, balancing equipment, various levels of climbing structures, and a basketball hoop. The BBQ area has picnic tables and seats to go with the two free BBQs. It is very well shaded and sits alongside a grassed area perfect for kicking a ball or playing cricket. Unfortunately, there are no toilets Read more…
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Located in the heart of the new community at Mandogalup, Florence Estate Park is A playground that beautifully incorporates wooden beams for its play equipment. This spacious playground is nested beside rows of mature trees, providing scenic greenery, and playing in the park feels like you’re right next to nature. My girls headed straight to the main play area, where the big slide is. The tall climbing structure features various climbing wall panels for kids to use. Missy 6 had no trouble climbing onto all of them, but younger toddlers might find the tallest one daunting. The flooring of this Read more…
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Pioneer Park in Gosnells is one of those parks that feels like a little “secret” the first time you visit. It sits close to the Canning River and, because much of the play and picnic area is tucked below street level, you can arrive nearby and still not immediately see the hub of activity. That hidden-away feeling is part of the charm, and it makes the park feel calmer and more sheltered than you’d expect so close to the town centre. One of the standout features here is the approach. Centennial Pioneer Park has an extensive pathway network and a Read more…
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Tuckfield Oval is a brilliant spot for families looking for a Playground with a view. Perched high above the Swan River and Fremantle’s busy port, this hillside park in East Fremantle combines big climbing challenges with natural play elements and wide‑open grass – plus you’re just a short stroll from the famous rainbow shipping containers and the George Street café strip. The main drawcard is the huge rope climbing structure, which immediately appeals to confident climbers and school‑aged kids. It’s the kind of piece that invites them to scramble, hang, balance and test their limits, and the elevated position means Read more…
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Karragarup Play Space in Australind is a brilliant family stop-off on the drive down south, and a destination in its own right if you’re holidaying in the Harvey Region. Located on the Ridley Place Foreshore, the Playground overlooks the calm waters of the Leschenault Estuary and has a distinctly coastal Australian feel, celebrating its setting and local Noongar culture. “Karragarup” comes from the local Wardandi Noongar language and means “place of the crabs”, a nod to the bay’s famed blue swimmer crab population, and that theme runs strongly throughout the play space. The hero of the Playground is the enormous Read more…
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Treetop Park is a gorgeous neighbourhood Playground tucked away amongst the trees in the Bushmead estate, in Perth’s foothills. Opened in late 2023, this compact but thoughtfully designed park is perfect for kids who love to climb, explore and feel like they’re playing up in the canopy. Set amongst mature trees, it has a lovely natural feel and plenty of shade, making it a great spot for a relaxed playdate or a low-key weekend adventure. The hero of the Playground is the impressive 6‑metre timber tower, complete with bridge walk and enclosed tube slide, designed to give kids the thrill Read more…
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Manning Park in Spearwood is the perfect spot to take the kids out for a picnic and play in the park. The reserve is huge with four car parks in total and plenty of wide open grassed areas. The playground itself is quite amazing, plenty for all ages, stages and abilities. There are shade sails over each section and plenty of trees to pull up under too. The day we went it was 40 degrees but the shade and grass definitely brought the temp down. The only negative I would have is the placement of the drinking fountain which was Read more…
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Maylands Waterland is WA’s premier outdoor water playground, beautifully situated on the Maylands Peninsula overlooking the Swan River. This FREE family-friendly facility operates seasonally from September until April, with water features running daily from 9am to 5pm. The park features a water feature stream flowing into a variable depth splash pool, nature playgrounds, and extensive grassed areas perfect for picnics. Facilities include free accessible BBQs, picnic shelters, toilet and shower amenities, and a dedicated party space with kitchenette available for hire. While the water features are seasonal, the parklands, playground, BBQs, toilets, and picnic areas remain open year-round during daylight Read more…
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We all know shopping with kids isn’t easy, but the kids will be begging to go to Mandurah Forum’s beach-inspired playground! The state-of-the-art playground is part of the $350 million redevelopment, completed in March 2018 the two fully enclosed play areas are the perfect place to take a break while the kids burn off some energy. The main feature is an 8-metre high climbing structure in the shape of a cray pot with internal climbing nets and two twisting tunnel slides, it is great for adventurous kids who are confident climbers. Dotted on the softfall are different sea creatures to Read more…
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Rockingham has a fantastic reason for families to get outdoors and play: the Churchill Playground is a SEAsational destination for kids and parents alike. Designed to take little explorers on an adventure that flows from the forest to the sea, this much-loved space offers a mix of fun that keeps children entertained and grown-ups happy all year round. From the moment you step into the playground, it’s clear how much thought has gone into the design. Kids can rock, climb, slide, and spin to their hearts’ content, with equipment that sparks imagination and encourages plenty of active play. The forest-and-sea Read more…
